Healing with Stories : How Narrative Therapy Can Help Pet Owners Cope With The Loss of A Pet…

Written By Rob F

Losing a loved pet is something we all dread. For some of us, that day came & took our hearts away with it. The days, weeks & months following such an event offer unique challenges. Maybe you’re cleaning the house & find their fur between the pillows of the sofa. Or perhaps you’re doing laundry & smell their comforting scent from their favourite blanket.

We’re aware of these things because it’s something we personally struggled with. If you read Our Story, you will know our little Jack Russell of 18 years passed away the day after Christmas, 2021. In the weeks that followed, we’d find ourselves carelessly dropping meat on the floor while cooking, knowing that our little friend would inhale it before we could even notice. Except, he didn’t. It was another stark reminder that our small family grew that bit smaller.

In our desperation to fill the hole in our hearts, we tried anything & everything. From painting to drawing to pet-fur keepsakes, nothing seemed to soothe the pain we felt inside. We had gone through a traumatic event and needed something much more than sentimental items. Perhaps we needed CBT therapy, but being a young couple, this was out of our budget.

In the midst of chaos, we noticed something. When we discussed our favourite memories spent with our pet, it was like a weight was being lifted off our chests. It felt as if we were keeping his memory alive through stories. Moreover, we developed a greater sense of gratitude for the impact he had on our lives. Sometimes it’s refreshing to really sit down & ponder “How did my pet alter my perception of love, life & companionship?”. Not only were we honouring his legacy, but we also appeared to be healing through the power of story-telling.

It turns out, the power we stumbled upon wasn’t new. It was actually backed by science & put into practise by millions of therapists worldwide. It was called narrative therapy. Developed in the 1980s by New Zealand-based therapists Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy allows people to not only find their voice but to use their voice for good, helping them to become experts in their own lives and to live in a way that reflects their goals and values. It can be beneficial for individuals, couples, and families. Some evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach:

  • One 2020 study found that adults with depression and anxiety who were treated with narrative therapy experienced improvements in self-reported quality of life and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • A 2016 study found that narrative therapy was effective at helping children improve empathy, decision-making, and social skills. (Clarke, 2024).

In our case, we applied this principle to aid us in coping with the loss of our beloved pet. Unlike flowers, chocolates & other traditional gifts usually given to those grieving, narrative therapy was an interactive, fun & memorable way for us to take part in our own healing journey.

As time passed, the concept of PetPapers was born. Not only can we help you & your loved ones harness the therapeutic power of story-telling, but it also results in a gorgeous keepsake book that can be revisited at any moment. The first of it’s kind, PetPapers offers two-uses: therapy & remembrance, based on a scientific approach.

Our customers have also commended our unique approach to healing. One gentleman named Brian purchased our product. His young daughter came to terms with the loss of their pet cat & frequently revisits her keepsake book, using it as a bed-time story book. The wonderful story of Brian & his family truly gives life to our catch-phrase “Heal with Stories”.

We’re so confident you can also benefit from this method, just as Brian & his family did, that we’re offering customers a 30-day money back guarantee upon delivery. So why not give it a shot? We offer free-shipping worldwide & 24/7 customer support. You can get started now & begin “Healing with Stories!”.

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Rob F